Varun Dhawan to Headline Yash Raj Films’ First-Ever Horror Venture, Slated for March 31, 2028
In a major expansion of its cinematic slate, Yash Raj Films (YRF) has officially announced its maiden foray into the horror genre, tapping Varun Dhawan to lead the untitled theatrical project. Scheduled for a worldwide release on March 31, 2028, the film will be helmed by acclaimed filmmaker Abhay Pannu, best known for the hit series Rocket Boys.
Historically synonymous with grand romances, high-octane action thrillers, dramas, and comedies, YRF is stepping into uncharted territory with this supernatural thriller. The banner intends to infuse its trademark production scale, polished craft, and big-screen spectacle into a terrifying cinematic experience built exclusively for theaters. Developed under the creative supervision of Aditya Chopra, the project will be produced by YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani, signaling a strong institutional push behind the studio’s newest genre experiment.
Behind the camera, Abhay Pannu takes on dual responsibilities as both writer and director. Having earned widespread critical praise for his nuanced storytelling on Rocket Boys, Pannu is set to make his big-screen directorial debut with this venture. His recruitment underscores YRF’s ongoing strategy of championing fresh, unconventional voices to push the boundaries of mainstream Hindi cinema.
For Varun Dhawan, the untitled horror flick represents his second collaboration with the prestigious studio. Known largely for his energetic turns in commercial entertainers, comedies, and action-dramas, this role offers Dhawan an opportunity to reinvent himself in a darker, more atmospheric space under Pannu’s direction.
Plot details, the rest of the ensemble cast, and the official title remain tightly under wraps for now. However, by locking in the March 31, 2028 release date well in advance, the makers have laid down an early marker on the theatrical calendar. Pairing Dhawan’s mass appeal with Pannu’s sharp narrative sensibilities and YRF’s production muscle, the studio’s inaugural horror outing is already shaping up to be one of the most intriguing releases on the horizon.
